Reports: Oxegen '08 about to kick off!

One of the first people on the scene, our hotpress.com newsdesk reporter has given us a full report of the goings-on so far, including a bit of celebrity spotting.

"We've seen Luke Pritchard from The Kooks wandering around in the main arena, and The Coronas too," she says "Cormac Battle and Dan Hegarty from 2FM are about as well."

As far as the weather goes, the grey skies in Dublin seem to be echoed in Punchestown. "It is grey," our reporter says, "but it only rained for a few minutes earlier, and it hasn't rained that much today. There is a bit of wind but generally the weather's okay."

With the wet weather earlier this week, the dreaded mud was a worry for some, but on a scale of 1 to very muddy, our source rates it as 'moderate': "There's a bit of mud, but not that much."

Because of the weather, wellies are most definitely the footwear of choice, although our reporter did spot one fashion victim staggering about in a pair of high-heels!

"They only let people into the actual grounds about an hour ago, but we're ready to go now," she says, adding that the folk at the Hot Press Signing Tent are particularly eager to get stuck in, with Hot Press DJ Maria Verrecchia (or 'Lil M') banging out tunes and the excitement building all the while.

And in case you're wondering, set to grace the HP Signing Tent this fine evening are Tricky (6pm), Editors (7pm), Paddy Casey (8.30pm) and Sam Fogarino of Interpol (time tbc).

No wonder the Hot Press gang are so excited!